Member Reviews

Past Present Future is the contemporary young adult follow-up to Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon. The sequel begins a couple of months after Rowan and Neil’s whirlwind romance as they step into their new chapter as college freshmen.

Neil and Rowan were former academic rivals who fell for each other right as they graduated from high school. But both are heading off to different East Coast colleges, and they are each nervous about leaving Seattle, meeting new people, and navigating a long-distance relationship. Rowan finds herself struggling with her writing for the first time. She has her dream professor but can’t seem to find her voice, and the intimacy with her boyfriend suffers. Neil is excited to make friends right away but questions his choice of major. He is also faced with his difficult relationship with his father and his own mental health.

Past Present Future is the book for anyone who wonders, “Okay, they fell in love… now what?” Neil continues to be the perfect boyfriend. You can’t help but root for each of them as they continue to grow and learn about themselves and each other. I love that there is no love triangle or cheating and that the two remain devoted as they try to figure out how to make this long-distance dynamic work.

I highly recommend the “Rowan & Neil” duology for readers who enjoy contemporary young adult romance.

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I absolutely devoured this book!!! In the aftermath of a whirlwind summer romance, Rowan and Neil find themselves navigating the choppy waters of a long-distance relationship as they embark on their separate college journeys. This dives into the complexity of young love while also being on your own for the first time!

Alternating between Rowan and Neil's perspectives, Solomon masterfully captures the essence of young adulthood, from the exhilarating highs of new friendships to the crushing lows of writer's block and depression. As the duo grapples with the trials of college life, their bond is put to the test, forcing them to confront the uncertainties of their future together.

I saw so much of myself in each of these characters. A must read!!

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I must admit, I went into this story extremely nervous. The first one is on of my all time favorites in its genre and I was so worried about whether this sequel would preserve my love for it. I was, THANKFULLY, very wrong to be frightened. This sequel was masterfully done. It felt like a breath of fresh air on Rowan and Neil’s love story.

Joining them on their journey of navigating a long-distance relationship felt so real. The love, the yearning!!!!! I wanted to dive into these pages and hold Neil’s hands through all his troubles and give Rowan a hug through all of her experiences.

I cried, I laughed, and I smiled. What a beautiful story.

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Much like how its predecessor Today Tonight Tomorrow (TTT) sent me back to my last days of high school, Past Present Future (PPF) allowed me to relive my college years as Rowan and Neil navigated their first year as undergraduates. With dual points of view, Solomon captures the universal college experience but also incorporates the diversity that exists in individual journeys. I wish PPF had been published when I was starting college, because it would have validated a lot of what I was going through at the time, from being unsure of my major to the imposter syndrome. 

While TTT was about Rowan and Neil’s rivalry and discovering hidden feelings, PPF shifts focus to what happens after. How are Rowan and Neil going to make things work when they're in two different places and working toward their dreams? This is where the hard work in a relationship comes about. In sync with this focus, the pace is a little slower. I was able to read this one at a more leisurely pace, allowing me to ruminate on their decisions. Rowan and Neil exhibit what a healthy relationship should be like even as they hit bumps along the way. I appreciated the sex-positivity and how communicative they are. I love them and how much they love and respect each other. 

This was a sequel I wasn't expecting but extremely happy I got.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

Past Present Future is the sequel to the beloved Today Tonight Tomorrow and follows what happens after “happily ever after”. Rowan and Neil must navigate a long distance relationship and figure out who they are at college. Will they beat the long distance curse?

I really loved this heartwarming and bittersweet romance. It really analyzes what the two characters do after they get their HEA and how they make their relationship work. Rowan and Neil are such fully-formed characters and you fall in love with them all over again.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Incredible. Beautiful. No notes only love.

I had very high expectations for this book as today tonight tomorrow is one of the books that rekindled my love of reading. I am soooo happy this didn't let me down and Rachel Lynn Solomon continues to publish banger after banger. I always find myself relating to her characters and it is the perfect balance of beautiful writing that makes you wanna tear up and humor that never fails to lighten the mood.

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This was the perfect sequel to Today Tonight and Tomorrow—the college-YA exploring all the tricky things about finding your place in college as a big fish in a small pond, now in a very big pond. Watching how Rown and Neil navigated staying in love after their whirlwind romance was SO lovely and satisfying, and there was no lack of tension! I loved watching them navigate communication, long-distance, new friendships, jealousy, and finding their own paths. A total heartwarming joy. Solomon did it again!

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I absolutely adored Today Tonight Tomorrow, like most of polite society did. Sequels are a scary thing- they can expand the story in awesome ways, or taint your entire love of the original. This, for the most part, thankfully does the former! There are so many things to appreciate in this follow up, I shall highlight them for you!


►College/changes. Look, it is not always easy and glamorous, and I love when authors keep it real. Gosh, change is hard. College was truly the most tumultuous time of my life, no exaggeration. There were good moments, eventually, but I'll be honest in saying that a huge majority of it was a clusterfuck of me falling into mental illness spirals. Seeing this on page? Huge. I felt so... not just alone, but like I was the only one reacting to college poorly. So this is just so vital, IMO.

►Prison dads. If you think my kids won't be reading this, you'd be wrong. It was so unbelievably refreshing to see Neil going through these emotions, and trying to navigate this. I have no idea how my kids will handle it, but seeing that others go through it too? So huge. Extra especially to see a male character going through it. Thank you immensely, Rachel.

►Mental health being a huge focus. Look, I am always here for excellent mental health rep, and Rachel Lynn Solomon excels at this, always has. This is just another wonderful example.

►Romance after the "HEA". I mean, that is kind of the whole point of this, right? What happens after "the end"? I have always always wondered that every time I have read a romance book. Obviously unless this is a tragedy in disguise, they continue to live after these pages, and at only 18, we can assume they're living quite some time. So... how the heck does it work? Does it work? I love that the author delved into these questions, because they are truly questions I am always asking!

What was keeping it from being a new fave? I have no idea. It just didn't have the... the vibes, for lack of a more coherent explanation. Still really enjoyed it, thrilled it happened, it didn't at all taint my love of the first book, and it added a lot to the story. I am rounding up because I cannot pinpoint anything I don't like, frankly.

Bottom Line: Such a thoughtful response to the eternal question "what comes after 'happily ever after'?".

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**Huge thanks to netgalley + Simon and Schuster publishing for providing me a copy of this arc!**

3.5-4⭐️

For me this book and the last one were good - this one wasn’t anything jaw dropping, amazing and maybe that’s just because I don’t read many books like this.

BUT I will say - I loved the representation in this book. I’m very seasoned in the long distance relationships (seriously someone please stop me) so I can understand what Neil and Rowan go through. Neil and his mental health issues are so valid and well explained. The hiding, and not wanting reassurance etc, was so relatable and I think that’s why it really hit home for me.

The dual POVs though?? Definitely needed. It was so nice to see both of their POVs especially since they’re in two different locations, it really gave good insight on what both characters are going through while being away from eachother. They live two completely different lives but it’s so raw and real.

It definitely felt heavier for a contemporary romance but the themes that were present - were done right. I would’ve loved more romance but I was still interested in the story as over time I became slightly invested in the characters and their relationship.

Overall, I think this one was alittle harder for me to get into but I still respect/appreciate it for what it is! It’s a super easy, emotional and cute read.

*I think this book was very well written, the format was great and it just made for a super easy read and I would recommend it to people who are looking for something of that theme*

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6568740757

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I read Today, Tonight, Tomorrow last year and INSTANTLY fell in love. I was suddenly looking for anything Rachel Lynn Solomon had written. I zoomed through We Can't Keep Meeting Like This and See You Yesterday and (of course) Second First Date. So may I say, right away, that this was my second most anticipated book of this year- and it didn't disappoint.
Of course (as are most romance readers) I'm not a big fan of a third-act breakup, or letting the realities of life (and growth) leak into my fantasies. But I think I needed to see what life would be like for them, and I think this was the perfect way to do it. I loved (and hated) watching them both struggle through mental health, intimacy, friendships (coming and going), and the fact that people leave. It was heartwrenching and lovely and nothing like I expected- but it was 100% worth it. Would recommend.
(4.5 stars, just because there's no way anything could compare to Today, Tonight, Tomorrow)

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I fell in love with Past Present Future. It's about the realization that falling in love isn't an end game. That it's about staying in love and being in the action of love. We have our favorite former academic rivals and Past Present Future challenges them beyond their dreams. It takes place at such a pivotal moment of change. All these new experiences of college, of new cities, new friends, and their new selves. Who we become when we leave what we have known and the opportunities for growth.

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Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC!

Okay, I did like this book. I liked the realistic struggles Neil and Rowan faced. I greatly appreciated the discussions about mental illness, depression specifically. I myself have depression and I felt Neil's struggle with it was realistic and well written. Rowan's imposter syndrome also felt all too real. I understood these characters deeply. I just really got them. The romance was so sweet. I absolutely loved how both of them never gave up on the other or on the relationship even when it was really hard. It was so inspiring to see. I will be completely honest though, I had a hard time getting through this one. Not because it was bad, but because of how long it was. I felt that the length was unnecessary. It kind of dragged on a little bit. I also felt like the book itself was maybe not needed. I did enjoy the book, but I did not think after reading the first book that I wanted or needed a sequel.

Overall, I enjoyed it, but I do not think we need a third book. Leave it at two.

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For those who love a story that captures the essence of young love and the trials of growing up, “Past Present Future” by Rachel Lynn Solomon is an exquisite read. This sequel to “Today Tonight Tomorrow” follows Rowan and Neil as they navigate their first year of college in different states, maintaining a long-distance relationship that’s tested by new challenges and personal growth.

Solomon’s narrative is a heartfelt exploration of the uncertainties of young adulthood, with dual points of view that add depth to the characters’ experiences. The book beautifully portrays the complexities of maintaining a relationship over distance, the struggle to find one’s voice, and the courage to face mental health issues head-on.

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This sequel follows Rowan and Neil, former rivals turned lovers, as they navigate their first year of college and long distance relationship.

I love Solomon’s writing and was excited to dive back into their story! She perfectly captures the highs and lows of college and entering adulthood as our characters navigate new friendships, school challenges, and mental health. I loved the dual POV between Rowan and Neil — you get to see their chemistry and the love they have for one another, while also following their own journeys of self discovery.

Highly recommend reading both books if you’re a fan of young adult stories.

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I absolutely adored Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon and was so excited that she wrote a sequel for Rowan and Neil!

When Rowan and Neil going to separate colleges they have to balance adjusting to a new routine, new places, new people and a long distance relationship. This was much heavier than I expected, but I shouldn't have been when I really think about it. College is a big change and can bring up a lot of feelings in a person. My heart broke for Neil's struggles .

Overall, this is a satisfying continuation to Rowan and Neil's romance story. It's a YA romance with real and relatable characters who are a bit nerdy and don't give up on each other.

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Rachel Lynn Solomon was able to bring them back with PAST PRESENT FUTURE to show where the relationship went over the summer after senior year and into college. I really liked this sequel. As a person who was in a long distance relationship (with my now husband) for all of college, I identified with the struggles these two had in keeping up their relationship while also trying to find and be themselves in those formative years. Their communication was great and the mental health rep was fantastic. At times I didn’t love what had to happen to create conflict, but the journey for each character individually and their journey together felt real and authentic.

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“I have a feeling everyone’s been keeping a secret, a this-would-change-the-romance-novel-world-if-it-got-out kind of secret—that the very best parts happen after the book is over. And that’s where we begin.”

In the first book, Today Tonight Tomorrow, Rowan and Neil were academic rivals when they fell for each other on the last day of their senior year of high school. Now, they’re navigating college and a long distance relationship in Past Present Future. Rowan is studying creative writing in Boston, but she’s struggling with writer’s block. At NYU, Neil is finding friends and exploring the city until the weight of his past starts to take a toll on his mental health. As they text, call, and visit each other throughout their freshman year of college, both Rowan and Neil grapple with the way their lives are changing as they continue to fall in love.

When I first read Today Tonight Tomorrow back in 2022, I instantly fell in love with Rowan and Neil. Solomon had crafted a YA contemporary novel that had the perfect mix of romcom and coming-of-age. It’s rare that an author decides to write a sequel to a book like this, especially one that seemed as if the story was finished, so I was curious to see what would happen next in Past Present Future. In this heartfelt sequel, Solomon highlights the struggles of transitioning into life on your own as a college student. While the novel was about Rowan and Neil’s relationship, especially the highs and the lows of being long-distance, it also heavily focuses on their personal struggles and shifting mindsets. I thought Solomon beautifully captured the range of emotions and issues both Rowan and Neil face, making the story even more impactful. It can be easy for a sequel to a romance to fall flat because the couple is already together, or for the author to come up with a string of easily avoidable issues to create drama, but that wasn’t the case for this book. Every conversation and problem felt like realistic issues that these characters would have to handle, and it was refreshing to see in a romance. The character development was truly noteworthy. This book swiftly reminded me of how much I love Solomon’s writing, and I think any of her books are must-reads for those who love character-driven romances.

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“Today Tonight Tomorrow” gives readers a beautiful and exciting romance between two unique and adorable MCs. Rowan, a newfound writer, and Neil the closed book linguaphile started as academic rivals who became lovers within 24 hours. Past Present Future (PPF) is the more important part of their story, discovering who they are outside of Seattle and how to support each other. This entire sequel is a gift if you love Rowan and Neil as separate characters (and how could you not? 😊). You will love seeing them in their new home away from home (away from Seattle and each other) but it will hurt when they hurt 💔.
The last 40% of this sequel makes any wounded hearts worth it to see closure for Neil and Rowan's relationship. Most notably, we see Neil accept the love he deserves ❤️. I remember idolizing T3 for its perfect scenes, but PPF is real in a way I have never experienced in the romance genre. This sequel is not an enchanting, dreamy love story but is a realistic, heartwarming one- and if anyone deserves real love it would be Rowan and Neil. 🥰

Content warnings: bedroom scenes, depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, mention of domestic abuse.

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Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of my favorite YA romances, so I was so grateful to @simonandschuster for an advanced copy of the sequel, Past Present Future.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with sequels. On the one hand, if I loved a book and characters the way I loved Rowan and Neil, I absolutely want more of their story. But in order for there to be a story, the author needs to put the characters through more trials and I kind of loved where they ended up in book one. And I don’t want to see them in pain.

Past Present Future begins with Rowan and Neil going off to different colleges on the East Coast after a whirlwind summer romance. Rowan will be at Emory in Boston and Neil will be going NYU. They’re worried about how they will navigate the long-distance, but are committed to their relationship. That’s probably all I need to say about the plot.

I still loved Rowan and Neil, and I was absolutely rooting for them throughout the book which includes a lot of signature Solomon touches. The author includes a heartbreaking mental health story line, teens exploring their sexuality, and great Jewish representation. It’s been years since I read the first book, but I do think this one dipped into darker places. The characters were not together as much so there was less banter and chemistry and more two separate coming of age stories.

Could you read this one without reading the first? Sure, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I think without the story of the first book, the second book won’t have the same stakes. Ultimately, I’m glad I read this one and I’m really happy with how things turned out, but book one is still my favorite.

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Past present future !
They’re back Rowan and Neil!!
What I personally loved about this book was the struggles they both went thru as it makes it good for character development. The things they both learned about themselves. It also teaches us that sometimes we think we want to go for A certain career path but end up changing our minds because we end up connecting more with something else. Which is the beauty of life there are moment as humans we think we may want A specific thing and then life just happens and we take more interest in something else which is normal.

This whole story did an amazing job capturing the college life experiences from being nervous, the hardships you face but i loved how there were highs and lows for both main characters. I am in awe of having the opportunity to review this title. It is one of those books that people can reasonate with, hence it may even take you back to your college days.

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